‘Hardest days of my life,’ Goalkeeper Owono speaks after Tenerife striker’s death

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono said Wednesday he is enduring the “hardest days of my life” after the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, whom he collided with during a Spanish second division match on Monday. The 30-year-old Spanish footballer died Tuesday as a result of injuries he suffered in the sickening collision with Equatorial Guinea international Owono, who had raced into midfield to clear an aerial ball.

“These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened,” said Owono in a statement published by his club Andorra. “I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him. “I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.

But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.” Spanish police sources told AFP an investigation into what happened has been opened, under judicial supervision. Andorra players observed a minute’s silence on Wednesday before a voluntary training session, which Owono, 25, did not attend.

Owono received support from the president of the African country’s federation, Venancio Tomas Micha, in a letter of condolence following De Miguel’s death. “I feel compelled to convey all our solidarity and support at this time to our player Jesus Lazaro Owono,” Tomas Micha wrote. “We know that, as the involuntary protagonist of this tragic incident in the game, he is living through this situation with deep sorrow and distress.

“From the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation, we offer him all our human and professional backing, fully aware of the harshness of this event, which no one in our sport ever wishes to witness.” Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz posted on Instagram in support of Owono, whom he said was “deeply affected” by what had happened. “Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone,” wrote Spatz.

“In football, unfortunate incidents can happen but no one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences.” – Postponements – Earlier it was confirmed Tenerife and Andorra’s Spanish second division matches scheduled for the weekend would be postponed. Tenerife were due to face Granada away from home, while Andorra were set to welcome Mallorca.

“After the tragic news of the death of Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel, the game… this Saturday November 7, at Nuevo Los Carmenes (stadium), has been postponed,” said Granada in a statement. Mallorca said “at times like this, respect and sensitivity in the face of a situation of profound grief must come first”. The Spanish football federation postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches this week as a mark of respect following De Miguel’s death.

Tenerife plan to hold a tribute to De Miguel at the club’s stadium on Saturday which supporters can attend, and are holding a six-day mourning period. The club said the first team, board and staff will attend De Miguel’s funeral, which will take place in Navahermosa, in the province of Toledo on the Spanish mainland, where he has family roots. A minute of silence was held before Champions League matches on Tuesday in honour of the striker, with the same planned for the rest of the week’s fixtures organised by European football governing body UEFA. rbs/mw